Coyote problems plague Bolsa Chica neighbors

Danette Goulet

Their yapping can be heard at night as the coyotes in the Bolsa Chica

roam, feed and live.

It is their natural habitat -- one that is being taken away from them

as development encroaches on their territory.

“Coyotes walk the streets,” said Cherie Combest, who lives on Fanwood

Street. “They’ll stare you right in the eye.”

Combest has heard stories from her neighbors of packs of three coyotes

surrounding a woman walking her small dog.

“They walk right down the middle of our street -- it can be 7 in the

morning or 4:30 in afternoon,” she said.

Reed Philips rides his bike through the trails of Bolsa Chica everyday

in the company of his dog, Maddie, and said he sees them on a regular

basis.

“They’re all through here,” he said gesturing to the wetlands. “I see

them a lot -- I’ve seen them up right to the houses.”

These neighbors of the mesa and its inhabitants have lived in harmony

for years, but say that with the development of Edwards Hills they have

seen more coyotes straggle into their neighborhoods.

“I think the city and builders should have to relocate [the coyotes],”

Combest said. “That should have been part of the deal if you are going to

encroach on an animal’s habitat.”

City and county officials say coyotes are indigenous to the area and

any action, such as relocation, is an expensive proposition.

The California Department of Fish and Game offers advice on how best

to coexist with California coyotes.

Although attacks on children are not common, wildlife officials

suggest children should never be left unattended in areas where there are

known to be coyotes.

And small pets should never be left outside as they are easy and

inviting prey.

Wildlife officials warn that it is important to let coyotes know they

are not welcome. They are naturally wary of humans and it is important

that they don’t loose that wariness.

Throwing rocks, making noise even spraying coyotes with a garden hose

are all things that are suggested to keep that natural fear alive.

If a coyote appears to be behaving aggressively it is suggested that

Fish and Game be contacted.

Most importantly, officials said, never feed coyotes.